By Janine De Iorio
Communications Specialist
Cincinnati Public Schools
“Be Present” is designed to engage students, staff, families and the community to be present in students’ academic, social and emotional well being.
Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) last week announced its “Be Present!” engagement campaign.
Superintendent Iranetta Wright’s “Be Present!” initiative is about more than being seen. It is about making each engaging opportunity with our schools and students an authentic experience to help them prepare for the future.
“CPS recognizes that our students, given the right support, can achieve at high levels, and it takes an entire community to help children reach their full potential,” Wright said at a press conference at Woodford Academy, 3716 Woodford Road in Kennedy Heights on Aug. 12.
Superintendent Wright launched “Be Present!” for the 2022-2023 school year to help key stakeholders find their own special way to support students.
“No matter how small you think your effort might be, it matters to our children, and it’s important,” says Wright. “If all of us, together, can focus on the ABC’s – Academics, Behavior and Culture – we can help our children achieve greatness.”
“Be Present!” focuses on four key stakeholders: Students, Teachers, Families and Community members. CPS is asking each stakeholder to take the “Be Present!” pledge and commit to being engaged in our students’ lives.
Examples of how CPS stakeholders can “Be Present!”:
● Students – come to school. Be on time. Get a good night’s sleep. Be ready to learn.
● Staff– be attuned to students’ state of mind. Pay attention to their talents and encourage students to pursue their passions. Remember everything we do is student-centered. Make them your guiding light. Be ready and celebrate success.
● Families – be their number one advocate in their educational journey; attend conferences, volunteer, get involved with parent organizations and read to your children. Help them with their homework. Make sure they have a dedicated space at home to study.
● Our greater community – from businesses, faith-based and neighborhood associations, partner with us. Let’s work together for our children. We have many options – volunteer, mentor, tutoring and in-kind or time donations.
To take the “Be Present!” pledge visit www.cps-k12.org/BePresent.
Cincinnati Public Schools offers families more high-quality school choices and academic programs than any other district in the Tri-state region. CPS is a leader among Ohio’s eight large-city school districts in overall student performance. The district’s innovative approach to education, investment in effective and caring teachers, and vast array of collaborative partnerships have accelerated school performance to the highest level in decades – ensuring that its more than 35,000 students in preschool to grade 12 thrive and graduate prepared to lead successful lives in the 21st century. CPS operates 65 schools spread across 90 square miles. To learn more, visit cps-k12.org.